The Best Handheld Gaming PCs to Take Your Games on the Go

The Steam Deck revolutionized mobile PC gaming, but competition is heating up. The Asus ROG Ally X now tops our list, boasting superior performance, faster memory, and impressive battery life. With the Lenovo Legion Go S and Acer Nitro Blaze 11 unveiled at CES 2025, the choices for on-the-go gaming are expanding rapidly. Whether you're considering the Steam Deck itself or seeking the best alternatives, we've curated a selection of exceptional handheld gaming PCs capable of handling top-tier PC games.

TL;DR – Top Handheld Gaming PCs

Our Top Pick: Asus ROG Ally X

See it at Asus | See it at Best Buy Valve Steam Deck

See it at Steam | See it at Amazon Lenovo Legion Go

See it at Amazon | See it at Best Buy Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme

See it at Amazon | See it at Best Buy GPD Win 4

See it at Amazon Ayaneo Ayaneo Air

See it at Amazon | See it at Ayaneo Asus ROG Ally Z1

See it at Amazon | See it at Best Buy

Handheld gaming PCs offer a compact alternative to bulky gaming laptops, delivering powerful performance for AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Ghost of Tsushima. Many are compatible with docking stations for larger screen gaming.

Our experts have reviewed several top contenders. From the high-performance Lenovo Legion Go to the budget-friendly Asus ROG Ally Z1 (ideal for indie games), there's an option for every gamer.

Contributions by Danielle Abraham, Ural Garrett, Georgie Peru

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Upcoming Handheld Gaming PCs:

Anticipation builds for the next generation of handhelds, including the Lenovo Legion Go S (first on SteamOS, then Windows 11), and the Acer Nitro Blaze 11 with its expansive 11-inch screen. The Nintendo Switch 2, while not a PC, is also on the horizon.

Handheld Gaming PC FAQ:

Handheld PC vs. Gaming Laptop: The best choice depends on your gaming preferences and needs. Handhelds excel in portability, battery life, and thermal management, but their specs are more limited. Gaming laptops offer superior power but often compromise on battery life, thermals, and price. Laptops also provide greater versatility for tasks beyond gaming.

Best Steam Deck Alternative: The Asus ROG Ally X is our top recommendation, offering a user-friendly interface, impressive speed, and a sleek design, plus full access to your PC game library via Windows 11.